HP Inktank 319 printer says cartridge incompatible.

[sbala214]

I have a HP ink tank 319 printer. It was working earlier properly. I kept the printer unused for a couple of months and now the black printhead is saying incompatible. I tried cleaning the printhead gold contacts and the contact strip inside the printer as well. I am not able to print any files. So, I purchased a new genuine printhead MOH51A and installed it. The new printhead is also saying it is incompatible. 

How to resolve this. 

[TheHelper0007]

Hi @sbala214,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating it must be to see the "Cartridge Incompatible" error, especially after purchasing a new genuine printhead. Since the printer was unused for a couple of months, let's go through some steps to resolve this issue.

Before troubleshooting, could you clarify a few things?

• Does the error appear immediately after installing the printhead, or only when trying to print?
• Are you using genuine HP ink and installing the printhead correctly per the HP Ink Tank 319 manual?
• Did you replace only the black printhead, or both black and color?
• Have you updated the printer’s firmware and drivers recently?

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Reset the Printer

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from power.
• Wait for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
• Check if the error persists.

2. Reinstall the Printhead Properly

• Remove the black printhead and check for any protective stickers or plastic covers that may have been left on.
• Reinsert the printhead firmly and evenly into its slot.
• Close the printer cover and check if the error clears.

3. Check for Firmware Updates

• Connect the printer to a PC with HP Smart or HP Print and Scan Doctor installed.
• Open the Embedded Web Server (EWS):
  • Find the printer's IP address from the Control Panel > Network Settings.
  • Enter the IP address in a web browser.
  • Go to System > Printer Updates, then click Check Now.
• If an update is available, install it and restart the printer.

4. Manually Clean the Printhead Contacts Again

• Power off the printer and remove the printhead.
• Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to clean the gold contacts on the printhead and inside the printer.
• Let everything dry for a few minutes before reinstalling.

5. Try a Different Power Source

• Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet instead of a surge protector or extension cord.
• Restart the printer and check if the error persists.

If you've tried all these steps and the issue remains, let me know what you've observed—especially if the error changed or if there were any blinking lights or patterns. I'll be happy to assist further!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

darkmaniac0007

HP Support